2013 Chronicle Wines Red Blend, Limited Edition

Tasting Notes
This luscious, multi-dimensional red comes from one of the best vintages on the North Fork in the past decade. Its well-developed firm tannins give way to a full-bodied palate of dark dried currant, baked cherries, raspberry coulis, and a bit of leather, olive, pencil shavings,  and spice on the palate. Round and soft with great acidity and fine tannins, it is deeply structured. The 2013 vintage was one of the few seasons that permitted a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend like this one, and it pays off with the bottle age.  Malbec provides a rustic charm and chewy red fruit; Merlot rounds and softens the palate, and a touch of Syrah and Petit Verdot are winemaker Alie's signature touches for interesting floral highlights. Bring out all your favorite hearty meats and autumnal harvest veggies!  This baby will keep you busy with a full-course meal in front of the fireplace.  Stews, roasts, lamb, duck, and game, or eggplant and roasted root veggies will saddle up to Chronicle Red quite nicely.

Process
Each of the separate lots was fermented separately in stainless steel or open punch-down bins, then brought together in a combination of second-year and third-year French Oak barrels for maturing. 

Varietals
59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 10% Merlot, 5% Corot Noir, 2% Syrah, 1% Petit Verdot